Ancient Egypt for KidsArtists & Craftsmen

Ancient Egyptians did not create art simply to create
something beautiful Their art was functional. It was beautiful,
but it had a purpose. Artists and craftsmen were considered to
have the same type of talent - they were all craftsmen. Egyptian
art was concerned mostly with the continuation of life. Egyptian
craftsmen created protective amulets, tomb paintings, magical
enchantments on papyrus, funeral jars, painted pottery to hold
nourishment, pottery figures, painted scenes, cartouches,
hieroglyphics, ivory grave goods, protective weapons, boats and
barks, and other
goods that helped to protect and continue life, both in this
world and in the afterlife.

The ancient Egyptians used humor in their sketches of animals
engaged in human-type activities, such a driving a chariot or
beating a captive. These drawings were made typically on
papyrus. Some have been found by archaeologists. But humor was
never used in art for drawings of people.

Artists had a special way of drawing or painting people. You would be very uncomfortable if you tried to stand in the same position artists painted people. The Egyptians drew heads, eyes, legs, and feet as if you were looking at them from the side. They drew shoulders and chests as if you were looking at them from the front. (You can see this in the picture at the top of this page.) It was uniquely Egyptian, and very distinctive. Men were usually drawn with dark colors and women with light colors.

Good craftsmen were appreciated in ancient Egypt. They usually lived comfortable lives.
Craftsmen were not allowed to sign their work. Still, word got around if someone had talent.